Honda Pilot trim comparison
2024 Honda Pilot Sport vs EX-L
The Pilot Sport starts at $39,600 while the EX-L is $42,400. That $2,800 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
$2,800 more is ~$50/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
Stay with the Sport if keeping roughly $50/month in your budget matters. Step up to the EX-L only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $2,800 trim jump.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The EX-L adds about $50/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,000 more overall with interest.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the Sport and EX-L share the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,800 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $2,800 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 2 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Sport | EX-L |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,600 | $42,400 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | $2,000/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,313 lbs | 4,306 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 113.8" |
| Length | 199.9" | 199.9" |
| Width | 78.5" | 78.5" |
| Height | 71.0" | 70.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Honda Pilot Sport vs EX-L Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Honda Pilot lineup, the Honda brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Pilot EX-L cost than the Sport?
The EX-L starts at $42,400 compared to $39,600 for the Sport. That is a $2,800 difference, or approximately $50/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Honda Pilot Sport and EX-L have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2024 Pilot Sport and EX-L come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2024 Pilot Sport or EX-L safer?
Both share the same Honda Pilot platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Honda Pilot come with?
All 2024 Honda Pilot trims, including both the Sport and EX-L, come with Honda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $2,800 Gap
The Pilot EX-L costs $2,800 more than the Sport. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value minor equipment changes. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
What Both Trims Share
The Pilot Sport and EX-L share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $2,800 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
The Short Version
$2,800 more for the Pilot EX-L gets you 1 real difference. At $50/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Honda Pilot Sport
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Sport best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Honda Pilot EX-L
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the EX-L when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.